Castleknock Celtic 18’s Claim Victory
Castleknock Celtic 3 Ballyoulster Utd 1
Sun 18th Sept 05
In a strongly contested NDSL U-18 Premier clash in Porterstown Park, Castleknock Celtic overcame the challenge of Ballyoulster Utd to claim all 3 points. From the kick off both teams worked hard around the middle of the park but it became evident from early on that Castleknock had the advantage. Michael O’Donoghue & Mark McLoughlin in the centre were well supported by wingers Rob Semple and Giresse Makundayi. The hard work and control of the midfield saw plenty of service to the Celtic forwards and it was only the work rate and organisation of the Ballyoulster defenders that kept them out.
Eventually Celtic’s pressure paid off when a clearance from the Ballyoulster box fell to Rob Semple, who drove a 25-yard screamer to the keeper’s left to put the home side 1-0 up.
Celtic continued to apply the pressure but Ballyoulster were always dangerous on the break and when a lovely through ball left a Ballyoulster forward free only a terrific charge down by Celtic keeper, Gary Creaner, prevented what looked like a certain goal. However, the pressure continued to come mainly from the home team who widened the gap with a header from last season’s top scorer Fran Lowe and went in 2-0 to the good at half time.
The second half started much like the first with Celtic having the lion’s share of play and they were rewarded when Giresse Makundayi fired past the Ballyoulster keeper to give them a 3-0 lead. Indeed, it could have been more but for some missed opportunities from the Celtic forwards and some good goalkeeping by the Ballyoulster stand-in keeper.
With the game seemingly won, Celtic brought on fresh legs up front but could not add to their tally. In the last quarter Ballyoulster threw caution to the wind and attacked strongly forcing a wonderful save from Creaner. The game then became an exciting end-to-end battle with both sets of defenders busy but it was Ballyoulster who got their reward to reduce the deficit to 3-1. Ballyoulster then had their tails up but could not break down the Celtic back-4 of Sean Duffy, Alex Sherwood, Colin Hayden, and team captain, Vinny Corry, who marshalled his troops well. Celtic eventually ran out deserved 3-1 winners in this exciting contest.
